The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, for what it described as the “transparent, responsible, and judicious” management of the Frontier Exploration Fund, saying the Commission’s handling of the statutory allocation has ensured the money is used strictly for the purpose prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the coalition said recent public conversations surrounding the Fund had made it necessary to “set the record straight” and acknowledge the regulatory diligence that has guided its utilisation under Komolafe’s leadership.
According to the group, the NUPRC has demonstrated “commendable discipline and clarity of purpose” in deploying the Fund, insisting that ongoing frontier basin activities ranging from seismic acquisition to exploratory drilling campaigns reflect the Commission’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s reserve base and improving long-term energy security.
“The NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has shown a rare commitment to accountability and sectoral discipline in the management of the Frontier Exploration Fund,” the statement, signed by Comrade Boma Kenule, reads.
“Every kobo has been channelled towards what the PIA intended; stimulating exploration in frontier basins, derisking new terrains, and ensuring that prospective hydrocarbon fields receive the technical attention they require. This is what responsible regulation looks like.”
The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network said its assessment of NUPRC’s stewardship was based on ongoing field reports and consultations with industry operators who have attested to the Commission’s methodical approach to frontier development.
It added that, at a time when global capital for fossil exploration is tightening, Nigeria cannot afford mismanagement or policy inconsistency in the sector.
“What is particularly noteworthy is that Komolafe’s leadership has brought renewed credibility to the frontier exploration framework.
He has consistently prioritised efficiency, ensured that contractors meet performance benchmarks, and maintained a clear line of engagement with host communities and state governments involved in exploration activities,” the coalition said.
The watchdog group also argued that effective management of the Fund has contributed to renewed investor confidence in pre-development exploration, noting that the expansion of reserves is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s production capacity over the next decade.
“Those who follow frontier basin work understand that exploration is capital-intensive, time-bound, and technically demanding.
The NUPRC’s prudent handling of the Fund has guaranteed that investments go exactly where they should.
This is why stakeholders continue to express confidence in the Commission’s technical leadership,” the statement continued.
The coalition urged the Federal Government to continue strengthening the autonomy and operational capacity of the NUPRC, noting that the commission is central to ensuring transparency and preventing any misuse of statutory sector-wide funds.
It further called on the media and political actors to avoid mischaracterising official remarks on the Fund, warning that unfounded narratives or poorly contextualised reports could distract from the progress being made in frontier exploration.
“At a time when the sector needs clarity rather than noise, it is important to acknowledge institutions that are performing their statutory duties with diligence.
The NUPRC has kept faith with the PIA and with the Nigerian people, and that should be recognised,” the statement added.
The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring regulatory compliance across the sector and said it would continue to spotlight agencies that uphold transparency, safeguard public resources, and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy outlook.
